Blue Thunder stay focused for final charge

There are preferred times during a high school basketball season that a team hopes to be playing its best. The Belvidere North Blue Thunder know they have a few weeks and a handful of games left to help get them where they need to be before the IHSA Class 4A Boys Basketball State Playoffs begin.

When the tournament tips-off, Belvidere North will have the advantage of knowing many of the teams that play in the NIU-4A Super-Sectional Complex. They will be joined by Harlem, Auburn, East, Guilford, and Jefferson. Of the group, Jefferson may be one of the more dangerous teams. They currently sit at the top of NIC-10 with the Rockford Boylan Titans.

The recent run through the conference schedule hasn’t been accommodating for wins for Belvidere North. They have had to look outside of the area for their most recent victories.

Following a knock out of Chicago-Christ the King in tournament play, the Blue Thunder ran into problems at home against Harlem and Hononegah. They faced off against the Freeport Pretzels to help close January games, giving the players a chance to battle for a much needed conference win.

The Pretzels provided that opportunity, as they have struggled on the defensive side. They have given up the third most points in the NIC-10 and their offense has scored the second lowest

For complete article, pick up the Jan. 31 issue of the Belvidere Daily Republican.